Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.
As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.
The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.
Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.
January 11, 2016
Minor Is Major! — In most areas of our lives, “minor” and “major” have meanings that relate to their relative importance, such as when dealing with minor problems versus major problems.
Read MoreJanuary 11, 2016
Shoot the Conductor: Too Close to Monteux, Szell, and Ormandy — Anshel Brusilow’s memoir, co-written with Robin Underdahl, is a fascinating look at American classical music through the eyes of a working-class immigrant child.
Read MoreJanuary 11, 2016
Meghan Trainor Takes People’s Choice Award
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Renewed Call for Boycott of Malaysian Orchestra Auditions — While the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) continues to advertise internationally for its auditions, musicians are cautioned to steer clear of this symphony known for its egregious contract violations.
Read MoreJanuary 11, 2016
Belief in Trumpet — For Freddie Jones trumpet is everything. It has been a huge part of his life ever since he picked the instrument up at around age 12. Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, his mom had a beauty salon on the corner near Stax Records.
Read MoreJanuary 11, 2016
The Musician’s Journey: Crafting Your Career Vision and Plan — This book describes a blueprint for success as a professional musician and provides tools to develop your unique vision of success and bring that vision to reality.
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Do Not Sell at Any Price: The Wild, Obsessive Hunt for the World’s Rarest 78 rpm Records — The Wild, Obsessive Hunt for the World’s Rarest 78 rpm Records, by music critic Amanda Petrusich
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ABBA: The Treasures — This book gives fans an intimate and unparalleled look at one of the most successful pop groups of all time, ABBA.
Read MoreJanuary 11, 2016
Gered Mankowitz: 50 Years of Rock and Roll Photography — 50 Years of Rock and Roll Photography includes some of the most striking photos from the 1960s through the 2000s, featuring everyone from The Rolling Stones, Elton John, and Jimi Hendrix to Led Zeppelin, Eurythmics, and Oasis.
Read MoreJanuary 11, 2016
Total Customization — Guitarists can choose 10 different finishes, various pickguard and pickup options, hardware packages, and rosewood or maple fingerboard.
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